Colorado § 18-8-207 - Holding hostages.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-207 — Holding hostages., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-8-207. Holding hostages.
Any person in lawful custody or confinement within the state who, while escaping or attempting to escape, holds as hostage any person or by force or threat of force holds any person against his will commits a class 2 felony.
Source: L. 71: R&RE, p. 458, § 1. C.R.S. 1963: § 40-8-207. L. 83: Entire section amended, p. 708, § 2, effective July 1.
ANNOTATION
Crime of "holding hostages" includes as essential element general intent crime of "escape". People v. Williams, 199 Colo. 515, 611 P.2d 973 (1980).
Term "escape" is not specifically defined in the Colorado criminal code. People v. Williams, 199 Colo. 515, 611 P.2d 973 (1980).
Term "escape" has same meaning for purposes of this section as section 18-8-208. People v. Williams, 199 Colo. 515, 611 P.2d 973 (1980).
Crime one of general intent. No additional mental state is specified for the crime of "holding hostages". That crime, as well as the crime of "escape", is one of general rather than specific intent. People v. Williams, 199 Colo. 515, 611 P.2d 973 (1980).
Applied in People v. West, 42 Colo. App. 217, 603 P.2d 967 (1979).
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-8-207
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-207 cover?
Section 18-8-207 ("Holding hostages.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 18-8-207?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-207" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 18-8-207 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.